Pictures of You

Maybe photo albums should be edited to present only a happy picture of the past - or, to be more precise, pictures of the past that still elicit feelings of happiness in the present.

Maybe the painful memories that cut you like knives and draw tears are parts of your history that are better shed like old skin. Maybe the pain they cause is not edifying, and only erodes the pleasures of the present.

Maybe our ghosts should be vanquished to the thin nighttime chill.

Maybe our ties of communication to, and memories and mementos of, the painful past should be laid bare and then cut clean off - surgically excised.

Maybe we are not made to carry these pictures as burdensome reminders, instead giving into the gift of forgetfulness.

"I've been looking so long at these pictures of you
That I almost believe that they're real
I've been living so long with my pictures of you
That I almost believe that the pictures are
All I can feel"

Maybe we have to pull the thorns of our days past before we can move on with courage and vigor to build our better tomorrows.

Maybe.....